The Structure of the Open Society: Social Ontology Meets Collective Ethics

How are we to live together in a diverse society? In a time of polarization, fragmentation, and inequality, the liberal answer to this question requires a new defense.Democratic institutions are under threat. Identity groups seeking recognition often encounter resistance.In response, The Structure of the Open Society defends the significance of institutions that foster freedom, equality, and autonomy. And he argues that this age of identity calls for an inclusive and open mentality. Famously, Karl Popper identified holism as the enemy of the open society.It leads to tribal communities with credulous and close-minded members.But the holist ontology defended here reveals how irreducibly social structures can support the basic rights that lie at the heart of liberal democracy.Crucially, they need not impair, but can in fact enhance critical reflection, toleration and epistemic modesty, which are vital for the resilience of a liberal democracy.To defend these ideals, Hindriks proposes that